The 12-time Most Popular Driver in NASCAR is reported to have a net worth of around $300 million after just over 15 years at the very top of the sport.

The “Pied Piper of Daytona” is known to be a humble, understated guy, but that doesn’t stop legions of adoring fans from following him around the country and in the media.

Photo by Brian DeGruchy/TheRacingExperts.com

Dale Earnhardt Jr. rolls off of pit road during a practice session at Phoenix International Raceway in March 2015.

The huge interest in Earnhardt’s career, heightened from the start by the legacy and legendary status of his father, has made him a fan favorite and also a major focus for advertisers and endorsers.

With endorsements including Chevrolet, Wrangler and eBay, Earnhardt brings in $9million of non-sports related income, which he then tops up with around $14.6million in winnings.

Jimmie Johnson

Hot on the tail of Earnhardt in the earning stakes is Jimmie Johnson, who is a year younger than Dale but has, like Earnhardt, built up an earning power all of his own that is not far from making him one of motorsport’s highest paid performers.

Photo by Brian DeGruchy/TheRacingExperts.com

Jimmie Johnson turns laps at Phoenix International Raceway in March 2015.

The Californian, who is said to have raced motorcycles from the age of four years old, is now a six-time Sprint Cup Series champion, and a two-time Daytona 500 winner, and his stellar reputation has earned him endorsement deals including high-paying contracts with The Gap and Gatorade.

Johnsonwill pick up $6.5 million in endorsementsand licensing in 2015, on top of his estimated $16 million salary from racing.

Jeff Gordon

Jeff Gordon has been a household name in NASCAR for over 20 years, and his annual earnings reflect the extremely high regard within which he is held right across the spot.

Having won the Sprint Cup Series Championship on four separate occasions, Gordon now sits third on the series’ list of drivers with the most wins with 92 to his name.